Over 50´s
Best Product
| SC Quality Benchmark for 50+ Multivitamins and Minerals The following criteria have been used in the assessment of this category: 1) Presence of all 12 essential vitamins at a minimum of 100% RDA, but preferably slightly higher. |
As we age beyond 50 years there is a modest increase in our requirement for most vitamins and minerals, with some evidence that this requirement increases further as we pass 70 years. The exceptions are Iron (particularly in females as a result of cessation of menstruation) and Iodine, where the requirement diminishes somewhat.
As such, a multivitamin and mineral aimed at the ‘50 plus’ age group should have moderately in excess of the RDA (100-200%) level of vitamins, 100% RDA Zinc and as much Calcium and Magnesium as is feasible in a one-a-day tablet form.
Additional nutrients (particularly Lutein for eye health, Lycopene for prostate and heart health, Ginseng for energy and Ginkgo Biloba to maintain brain function) are often included in ‘50 plus’ products, these may have additional benefits.
Quality
The overall quality of the 9 products assessed in this category was reasonable. All provide at least 11 of 12 essential vitamins, with Biotin often omitted for unexplained reasons. Four products provide significantly more than 100% RDA for one or more vitamins (Sanatogen, Centrum, Holland and Barrett and Healthspan). All products provide some additional nutrients. Of the products reviewed, however, ABC Plus Senior provided the most comprehensive spectrum of nutrients at the appropriate levels, and is therefore the category winner.
Value
Value was very reasonable across the board in this category. The cost for each one-a-day tablet was between £0.05 and £0.12.
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